Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 2428

  Ko van leeuwen, IJmuiden / Netherlands (kvl@kovanleeuwen.nl)

Tug Bluster is towing a barge with 3 container cranes from Amsterdam to Tenerife. The cranes were obsolete in Amsterdam and are sold to Tenerife. They will join 3 other cranes from Amsterdam. The transport left IJmuiden at saturday morning. But right now the tug is in the bay between Isle of Portland and Torquay. Can anybody tell me why this is?

Best Regards,
Ko van Leeuwen
IJmuiden / Netherlands

Monday, 21 September 2015 - 16:05

 

Post 2427

  Sea News, Dover

Another picture of the AIDA Bella arriving in the glorious early light this morning at the Port of Dover..this pic above shows the ship more clearly than the sunrise one further below page in post 1973.
Also ...shure who can resist the charm of HMS Pickle, another pic of her exiting this morning....and no, that's not a whale a-chasin' her there. She tows a dinghy through the early silvery light.


Monday, 21 September 2015 - 14:58

 

Post 2426

  Sea News, Dover

HMS Pickle departs moments ago eastern exit .. approx 08.40.....
See also Posts 1970 and 1969. She had an excellent visit with us here in Dover.

Monday, 21 September 2015 - 08:45

 

Post 2425

  Sea News, Dover

The AIDA Bella approaching us out of the sun early this morning.. ( around 07.25 )...

Monday, 21 September 2015 - 07:31

 

Post 2424

  Sea News, Dover

These huge cranes were being towed down the channel yesterday morning sunday. Don't know the name of the cranes or indeed if they have a name, but they were being towed by tugboat Bluster just out of shot. Quite a sight. Our busy busy old friend Galatea is in the foreground working hard as ever. Long range pictures as you can see.
The picture below shows the fab sky over the harbour also yesterday morning sunday, this time just prior to sunrise. It was a spectacular light show..pictured here exactly as it was.
"I see no ships..."


Great to get the Cruise info below once again Colette. I guess the visits will be winding down a tad from now on.
Great set of pix for sure Ed (post 1970)...you saved the day for us with those and no mistake..

Monday, 21 September 2015 - 05:53

 

Post 2423

  ColetteB, Dover

Cruise Visits
____________

Firstly, it looks like there are very exciting times ahead
With the combined effort of the brand new Dover Business Forum set to champion Dover and the very latest EU investment in the Dover Western Docks Revival project, the future is looking very bright indeed. Well done Port of Dover

Tomorrow, Monday 21st September the AIDAbella is back at CT2, POC, she is heading for Hamburg.

Then we have a double header on Tuesday 22nd, for the final time this season, the Ocean Princess will be at CT2, POC and the Saga Pearl 11 at CT1, TR.

Friday the 25th Aidabella returns to CT2, POC.

The following day Saturday 26th the Artania is back for the final call this year at CT1, POC

Ending the month of September on Tuesday 29th is the AIDAbella once again at CT2, POC.

See you in October

ps: brilliant set of pictures below Ed.



Sunday, 20 September 2015 - 16:20

 

Post 2422

  Ed Connell, Dover

HMS Pickle replica on the Crosswall. Knowledgeable French crew member Mel, resident in New Zealand, seen touching up some paintwork damaged alongside in a previous port call. Bronze Age boat half size replica also moored on the pontoon. All the area visible in the background will disappear and become tarmac with sheds on top when the DWDR project is completed. Viewed the Faversham Magna Carta earlier in the Town Hall and had tea at the beach café afterwards to end an interesting day.







Saturday, 19 September 2015 - 22:09

 

Post 2421

  Sea News, Dover

HMS Pickle earlier today....

Still plenty of time to pop along and have a look - she leaves for Harwich on Monday we understand.

.....From the National Maritime Museum.
"
A replica of the schooner Pickle ( above) was built in 1996, at St Petersburg, Russia, and was used in the filming of the BBC Four series Boats that Built Britain. She operates as a charter vessel, based on the Welsh coast.

In the early 19th century, the Royal Navy was a highly disciplined service and the mainstay of national defence. Britain was at war with France and much of the fleet was engaged blockading enemy ports, to keep French ships and trade penned in. HM schooner Pickle, commanded by Lieutenant John Lapenotiere, was involved in this work, but her most celebrated role was yet to come.

On 21 October 1805, a famous battle took place off Cape Trafalgar, in south-west Spain. Britain secured dominance of the seas but at the price of losing one of its greatest heroes, Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson.

Pickle was a speedy vessel, well equipped for a fast passage home. She was chosen to deliver one of the most legendary dispatches in naval history, the news of victory at Trafalgar and of Nelson’s death.

"

Saturday, 19 September 2015 - 16:26

 

Post 2420

  Sea News, Dover

Worth taking a look if you are local at the replica schooner HMS Pickle in the Dover Marina today. Its on Crosswall Quay...at or near the Lifeboat Station. We don't have a picture as yet but definitely worth picturing.

Saturday, 19 September 2015 - 09:21

 

Post 2419

  Sea News, Dover

FRACKING??? These guys moved in on Thursday and started drilling on England's green and pleasant turf along our highly prized seafront here in Dover. A highly unusual happening...drilling in the midst of our carefully coiffured fabulous flora. But there you have it. What they are drilling for one hasn't a clue...but surely they cant be fracking!?
Surely not!
Never a dull moment...

Yes you are right Vic it is always good to see people working together for the greater good...we wish the best of luck to all with this initiative (Post 1965). PB.

Saturday, 19 September 2015 - 07:22

 

Post 2418

  vic matcham, Dover

At last what some have been trying to do for years is getting there. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger .Been a long time coming but with District Council and the D,H,B, and other local groups all pulling the same way Dover will be the in place to work and live.
Just hope I will still be around to see when it is completed.

Friday, 18 September 2015 - 11:44

 

Post 2417

  Sea News, Dover

Powerful new business team to champion Dover
________________________________________

A powerful new business group, whose members employ nearly 6,000 people, will fight Dover’s corner to boost economic growth.
Dover Business Forum, an alliance of the district’s biggest companies, is the brainchild of the Port of Dover.

The group has been created to work alongside Kent-wide business interests, including the district and county councils, to champion Dover’s commercial potential.

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s chief executive, said: "Dover is a place to celebrate, to do business in and invest in. The forum, with its 26 members to date, will tell the rest of the world the great news about the business and investment opportunities currently in Dover as well as those on the horizon.

"We need to focus on enhancing the skills, training and employment opportunities for the people who live here, and this is a core belief of the group."

A survey of the forum, responded to by 16 members, shows it has a combined turnover in excess of £386m andan annual wage bill of more than £30m.

Those responding to the survey have collectively invested £399m in the district over the past five years. And further millions are earmarked for the district through the development of St James’s, Dover Western Docks Revival, Whitfield, Discovery Park and Betteshanger Sustainable Parks.

The survey also highlighted members’ views on the key issues facing Dover. Recruiting skilled employees is considered the biggest challenge, followed by roads and infrastructure and the overall perception of Dover.

Forum member, Dieter Jaenicke, chairman of Viking Recruitment, said: "With the survey showing that 26 per cent of those who responded are export-related businesses it demonstrates that Dover is a 360 degree economy and the group will play to the economic strengths of the area.

"It will promote the cause of companies involved in freight and logistics, maritime-related activities, food production, and manufacturing, as well as tourism, leisure and retail."

The forum’s membership has adopted a strong local purchasing policy, with 25 per cent looking to source goods and services from Dover, and 44 per cent from across Kent.

Cllr Paul Watkins, leader of Dover District Council, said: "We welcome the new group and look forward to working with it to attract investment, new jobs, and generate economic success, alongside our Invest in Dover team. The forum is another demonstration of local partners working together to deliver a shared vision for Dover."


ENDS


Pictures: Tim Waggott and Paul Watkins




Friday, 18 September 2015 - 11:27

 

Post 2416

  Sea News, Dover

SAILING IN DOVER HARBOUR...


The yachts always make delightful viewing and are very popular, and at the same time great to photograph - we often get nice pictures throughout the summer but cant always fit the pictures in the frantic schedule. But here we are with a couple of pictures from last weekend before the weather went all to hell and swiftly downhill in the proverbial handcart. Just the one yacht featured here called Rush although there were a number of others, presumably its one from the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club....skipping through the freshening seas above there in fine style.

Below we have one from the archives..couldn't resist adding it.. PaulB.


Friday, 18 September 2015 - 07:57

 

Post 2415

  Sea News, Dover

They have tried every kind of method to get the beach back onto the beach over the years. We have had shovels, brushes, roadsweeper vehicles, mechanical digger thingys...today they went for the hi-pressure water jet spray....it worked. Shows how rough an ol' night it was down here in the jaws of the elements..



Thursday, 17 September 2015 - 14:59

 

Post 2414

  Sea News, Dover

The Empress shown above was with us yesterday. Twas a miserable day for sure and indeed so ghastly was it, that the ship seemed reluctant to leave ..eventually moving off late, it must have been beyond 10pm, on a very dark gloomy rough night. Not ideal for cruising it must be said. She headed off down the Channel to Le Havre. I managed to get the pictures above during a late afternoon lull. PB.

The Port was busy yesterday and due to the ongoing bad weather there were some delays...so....the need for TAP was paramount...


Dover TAP gets public backing
________________________


A traffic management scheme designed to keep Dover clear during peak ferry times has been given public backing at the Port and Community Forum (PCF).

Dover TAP (Traffic Assessment Project) was introduced to hold port-bound lorries outside the town on the A20 to prevent queuing in central Dover during busy periods.

In a typical day the Port of Dover handles over 8,000 lorries and Tuesday’s PCF was reminded of the port’s commitment to effective traffic management on this key transport corridor.

Denise Smith, PCF representative for the East Cliff Residents Association who lives close to the port, told the meeting:

"I think TAP is absolutely wonderful so far. The change in our lives – to be able to get in and out of our properties – has been considerable. It’s been a massive surprise to us."

Letters from the Port of Dover Community Forum and Port Users Group, as well as feedback from the Dover Business Forum suggests there has been growing support for Dover TAP.

After the meeting, Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said: "Since it was introduced as a trial in April, Dover TAP has been a crucial part of freight management. Highways England has been studying its impact and will continue to assess it.

"We hope Dover TAP will become a permanent resource for us to use - and, along with redevelopment works in the Eastern Docks as part of the TMI project to create waiting room for an additional 220 lorries, it will help us further reduce the impact of port operations on our neighbours."

ENDS





Thursday, 17 September 2015 - 07:17

 

Post 2413

  vic matcham, Dover

Thanks for that ,it is a age thing hard to tell now from my left and right.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015 - 15:55

 

Post 2412

  Sea News, Dover

No worries at all Vic. The warship is in the right place. They come down the channel this side and go up the channel the other side. So all looks A-Okay. Paul


Wednesday, 16 September 2015 - 15:21

 

Post 2411

  vic matcham, Dover

Tell me please looks like that war ship is going down on the wrong side should he not be going up? down is over the other side I think.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015 - 14:18

 

Post 2410

  Sea News, Dover

As promised and following on from Ed's pic of the Elsebeth at the Cargo Terminal...there she is arriving above on one heck of a blustery day. There were flashing patches of light hitting the water in various places but everything moving fast in the high wind. An interesting vision popped into view in the background as the Elsebeth was being photographed and there it is below. You can see the top of the Elsebeth in the pictures but yes its a naval vessel out in the rough channel in between Elsebeth and the ferry...its Danish...called HDMS Absalon and here we are below..


ADDED: MV Empress is in today - can just make it out through the driving rain.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015 - 06:02

 

Post 2409

  Sea News, Dover

Just to mention that the Corinthian which was scheduled to be with us today seems to have bypassed us heading for Rouen.
I guess we can blame the rough weather. Pity. Thanks guys re below - will be able to add an extra one or maybe two of the Elsebeth in the morning.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015 - 15:02